title: Association of the metabolic syndrome with physical activity performance in patients with schizophrenia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The primary aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) limits physical activity (PA) in patients with schizophrenia. A secondary aim was to investigate cross-sectional associations of leisure-time PA, sports participation and PA performance with MetS parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with schizophrenia who had MetS (n=37) were compared with those without MetS (n=69). Patients were assessed for PA performance using a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and PA participation using the Baecke PA questionnaire, as well as for antipsychotic medication dose (expressed in chlorpromazine equivalents), negative symptoms and smoking behaviour.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The two patient groups were similar in age, gender, mean antipsychotic medication dose, negative symptomatology and smoking behaviour. Distance achieved on the 6MWT was 13.7% shorter (P<0.001) in patients with versus patients without MetS (527.6±108.9 m vs 610.0±93.7 m, respectively). Patients with MetS were also significantly less involved in sports activities (P=0.001) and less physically active during leisure time (P=0.002). Also, the distance of the 6MWT was moderately correlated with body mass index (r=-0.44, P<0.001), waist circumference (r=-0.43, P<0.001), sports participation (r=0.60, P<0.001) and leisure-time PA (r=0.42, P<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MetS is associated with poorer PA performance in patients with schizophrenia. The additional burden of MetS places patients with schizophrenia at even greater risk for physical and functional limitations in daily life.
authors.affiliation: University Psychiatric Centre Catholic University Leuven, Campus Kortenberg, Leuvensesteenweg 517, 3070 Kortenberg, Belgium. Davy.Vancampfort@uc-kortenberg.be
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vancampfort
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sweers
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Probst
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Maurissen
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Knapen
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Minguet
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Hert
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012907:Smoking; D016138:Walking